Democrats in competitive races next year continue to pressure the Biden administration to refreeze $6 billion in previously held-back funds for Iran.
A letter led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) on Thursday includes the signatures of Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Don Davis (D-N.C.), as Gallego runs for Senate in Arizona.
“Left unaddressed, the Iranian regime’s continued support for terrorist groups and attempts to wipe Israel off the map will only grow more brazen and more destabilizing for the region,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter.
They’re joined by endangered Democratic incumbents like Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Jon Tester (Mont.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), all of whom have called for a similar freeze as POLITICO reported first on Wednesday.
Three sources familiar said Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told Democrats on Thursday in their whip meeting that the $6 billion was still frozen.
Republicans in both chambers have called for a freeze in the funds, as POLITICO’s Senate team scooped Wednesday.
Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz contributed.
